Overview & Reviews

For much of its modern history, Pontiac has been home to legendary cars like the Firebird and GTO. With such dedication to raciness, it might seem a bit odd that when it came time for Americans to buy a Pontiac for much of the 1980s and '90s, they overwhelmingly chose the Grand Am, a car that wouldn't know a smoky burnout from a backyard barbecue.

Although the Pontiac Grand Am blipped into existence during the 1970s, it's the unassuming and over-styled family sedan from more recent decades that most people are probably familiar with. Within Pontiac's lineup, the Grand Am slotted one or two rungs up from entry-level. It featured an attractive price, just enough space for four average-sized adults, and four-cylinder or V6 power.

This was a good enough combination for many people, and Pontiac further expanded the Grand Am's visibility by selling heavily to rental car fleets. However, we were never particularly impressed by the car. Our first hands-on experiences were with the mid-'90s models, and we found them to be uncomfortable, unrefined and lacking in handling ability. More recent models didn't fare much better. Looking to ditch the car's "Bland Am" image, Pontiac eventually replaced the Grand Am with the superior G6 in 2005.

Widely available and convincingly inexpensive, used Grand Ams are adequate enough in most respects to be worth considering for a small family car. Just know that there have always been plenty of offerings in this segment, and many of them will likely prove to be more rewarding to own.

Most Recent Pontiac Grand Am

The last-generation Pontiac Grand Am was produced from 1999 through 2005. It was larger than the previous model, and a more rigid platform combined with a new multilink rear suspension provided better ride and handling characteristics. Sedan and coupe body styles were offered, and both initially came with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 150 horsepower or a 3.4-liter V6 with 170 hp. All early models had a four-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

The Grand Am's basic trim lines were SE and GT, though both contained submodels (SE, SE1, SE2, GT, GT1) with slight variations. The basic SE came with 15-inch wheels, antilock brakes, air-conditioning, radio and power door locks. The SE1 added power windows, a power seat, cruise control and folding rear seat, while the SE2 added the V6 engine, 16-inch wheels, speed-sensitive power steering, an upgraded stereo, steering-wheel audio controls and keyless entry.

The V6-powered GT added "Ram Air" hood scoops for 5 extra hp (175 total), more aggressive gearing, four-wheel disc brakes, a stiffer suspension and exterior styling add-ons like a spoiler and ribbed body cladding. The GT lost some of the items added by the SE2, but Pontiac reinserted them for the top-of-the-line GT1 and then topped it off with a sunroof.

The Pontiac Grand Am came closest to its sport sedan aspirations when equipped with the V6. The tires, brakes and steering upgrades that came with this engine helped as well, and the stiffer-sprung GT cured the SE's excessive body roll. On the downside, both engines were rough and unrefined, and the steering and brakes were rather uncommunicative. Finally, overall mileage with the V6 was below average.

Admittedly, the greater point of contention was the Grand Am's overwrought and unappealing styling. Much of the garishness could be avoided by selecting one of the SE models, but all Grand Ams shared the same interior that was marred by deeply recessed instruments and bulging components. In addition, the seats were mounted a bit too low and thus not all that comfortable, and overall interior materials quality was lacking. A marginal frontal-offset crash test score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was a further point of concern.

Overall, competitors like the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima were better cars at the time thanks to their superiority in terms of refinement, interior design and V6 power. But if you are set on a Grand Am, there are a few changes to look out for. A year after the car's debut, Pontiac made a five-speed manual transmission available with the four-cylinder engine. In 2002, the old 2.4-liter engine was replaced with new 2.2-liter "Ecotec" that traded 10 horsepower (down to 140) for better fuel economy. And in 2005, the only Grand Ams on sale were GT coupes; sedans had already been supplanted by the Pontiac G6.

Past Pontiac Grand Am Models

The previous-generation Grand Am was sold from 1992-'98. Both the sedan and coupe came in SE and GT trim lines. The SE started with little besides power steering, a radio and antilock brakes. The GT added a firmer suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels and some aero cosmetics. Air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, upgraded stereos and cruise control were optional on both trim levels. Quicker variable-assist power steering was available on GT models.

The greater differences were in powertrain availability. Grand Am SEs started with a 115-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic. GTs were equipped with a high-powered version of that engine that cranked out 170 hp. A medium-powered, 155-horse version of the four-cylinder and a 160-hp 3.3-liter V6 (with considerably more torque) were optional across the board.

The Pontiac Grand Am got many substantial changes over the coming years. For 1994, Pontiac added a driver's airbag and a new 155-hp, 3.1-liter V6 paired to a four-speed automatic. The following year, all three four-cylinders were dropped in favor of one heavily revised one with 150 hp and far smoother operation (thanks to balance shafts). A styling revision came for 1996, as did dual airbags and further powertrain updates.

There were glaring flaws endemic to this generation. The standard steering setup was heavy, numb and slow, and SE models had subpar grip around corners. Ride quality managed to be both soggy and harsh, and the Grand Am's body structure flexed over common bumps.

The interior was similarly miserable. The overly low seats created the impression of sitting on the floor. Further, their thin padding offered minimal back and thigh support, while the backseat was a squeeze even for two.

We see little reason to look at this older-generation Pontiac Grand Am as a used car purchase, especially when other mid-1990s cars like the Ford Contour and Nissan Altima proved more entertaining, comfortable and well-designed in nearly every way. For those determined to buy a Grand Am from this era, models built from 1996 onward are the best picks. Only by then did all engines run acceptably smoothly and come with more efficient four-speed automatic transmissions. Try to find a sample with the more responsive variable-effort power steering -- it was a package option typically bundled with power accessories and cruise control.

User Reviews:

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  Awesome GT1 - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Harley_Devil - July 20 - 7:36 pm

  Awesome car!! Fun to drive, love the look and feel. Ive owned my GT1 for 2 years and have never had any issues or regrets about purchasing it. I love the large trunk and rear folding seats, but have found the trunk opening to be a little on the small side. The sound system is great and I love to open the sunroof on warm days. The Ram-Air hood and engine are a great addition to the car and the hood scoops give it such a sporty and fast look.

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  P.O.S. - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cromag - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Paint came off the 2 side panels between windows. The same noisy brakes that everyone talks about. The battery leaked and died. The rear view mirror fell off. The rubber stripping on both doors is severly warped. The Cd player rarely works. The volume control on the steering wheel no longer works. Headlamp assembly had to be replaced from taking in too much moisture. It shorted out the bulb. $375 (out of warranty)If Im parked and my front end is higher then the rear, the car takes in water. Drivers side window regulator replaced.$575 (o.o.w.) The car only has 37,400 miles on it and Im currently shopping for something else.

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  My Pontiac Grand Am SE 3.4 V6 - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wdsgto - July 17 - 9:15 am

  We bought our Grand Am used with 21000 miles in 2006. It has 71000 on it now, it has been quite reliable. The only issues have been: the turn signal switch clicking (the factory put too much grease, I just removed some with a q-tip and it went away) and a battery. Otherwise it has been a good car. It is hard to see out when backing up, and it has a lot of road noise.

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  Good Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Good Car - July 13 - 3:36 am

  Bought this car with 96,000 Km. Car is reliable and handles great, looks great also. The only main problem Ive had with this car is the front end but with our roads its to be expected. They only have to develop a better wheel bearing. Replaced 6 times in 1 and a half years and the wheel bearings are not cheap.

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  2000 Grand Am - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mary - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Good buy for the money, but now becoming an expense. Drivers widow motor went out 2 years ago, then air conditioner stopped working a little later. Repair estimates came in starting at $800 so I drove around with no air in Atlantas worst heat in history! The one honest mechanic left in the whole world (Poston Motors, Cumming, GA) bypassed a switch and voila - air! And an oil change: Less than $100.00! Now, dashboard coming apart, both outside mirrors bout to fall off, automatic door buttons & mirror adjustment have fallen through the door panel & yesterday, interior rear view fell off! City mileage: bad, Highway mileage: good Forcing pick-up speed too fast can damage computer.

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  All right, I suppose. - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KNOFAC - June 27 - 8:36 pm

  This was my 2nd car, and it was average. Got it used in 07, with about 79,000 miles. The interior is a little cramped despite being a larger coupe. The exterior is sporty and attractive. However, the car never ran too great. It didnt have much kick in terms of acceleration. Its not a very good shock-absorbing car; you can feel every bump. The nagging issue: no matter how many times I reset it, the check oil and ABS lights would not stay off. I took care of it, got routine maintenance, and didnt put a whole of of wear and tear on the car, but I dont think it wouldve lasted long if I was putting 10,000+ miles on it.

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  nice little car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By red98grandamse - June 27 - 2:00 am

  No real problems as of yet, other than the ABS sensors getting dirty...

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  Grand Am Cup Holders - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pamela - June 25 - 11:16 am

  I absolutely hate the cup holders...the design makes no sense at all (in front of the gear shift). When the car is in park you cannot have a cup in the cup holder. In addition the cup holders are so shallow that everything tumbles out and spills on the carpet. I also hate the sun visor...they are so small, they are of no use! I went to edmuds.com to book out my car and the resale is very poor. I also have a 2002 Honda CRV with 100k+ miles and the value is 6 times higher than my pontiac. We have had continuous problems with the tail lights. and the..we keep replacing bulbs ..there was a bulletin on this also....The radio volume no longer works...

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  Sporty Looking! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By CLEOPATRA - June 25 - 10:00 am

  My 1999 Grand AM GT 4-Door, Black, Leather Interior Fully Loaded, was purchased ...after looking at various GM vehicles I found this one very much applealing to the eye, as well to performance. This is the best vehicle I have owned..roomy, sporty looking, great handling features. Good performance vehicle, has guts..when needed....Excellent Purchase

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  Buyer BEWARE - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By nono - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Let me name them all if I can remember them all. The driver side window motor had to be replaced, all the door panels had to be replaced because the weather stripping was bubbling, one panel had to be replaced twice the dash board has the same problem. The driver side seat broke twice. The alternator had to be replaced. The serpentine belt has been replaced five times and still squeks. The water pump had to be replaced. The breaks in the front had to be replaced after only 24,000 miles because the caliper stuck. The automatic trunk button broke. The glove box broke. The cooling and heating system now makes funny noises when turned on high.